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Bodega Dunes Campground

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Bodega Dunes is the largest and most developed campground at Sonoma Coast State Park, where its 99 sites are scattered among spindly cypress trees and sand dunes on the northern shore of Bodega Harbor.

Trails from the campground lead through the surrounding dunes to South Salmon Creek Beach (one mile away) and Bodega Head. The shops and restaurants of Bodega Bay are also close by, making Bodega Dunes a great basecamp to explore the state park’s 17 miles of shoreline. At Bodega Dunes Campground, RV and tent sites come with picnic tables and fire pits with access to restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station. There are no individual hookups.

Tips for snagging a campsite reservation

  • All of Bodega Dunes’ 99 drive-in campsites are available by reservation up to six months in advance. 
  • Sites can be reserved online or by calling (800) 444-7275.
  • The campground also has a hiker/biker campsite with walk-in availability for campers arriving by leg power—no reservations needed. 
  • If this campground is booked out, the park’s Pomo Canyon Campground has 21 first-come, first-served campsites you can try instead. There are also 11 first-come, first-served primitive sites at the seasonal Willow Creek Campground. 
  • When to go

    The temperate coastal climate of the Sonoma Coast makes it good for camping year-round so long as you’re prepared for a year-round chance of wind and rain. Generally though, temperatures don’t dip lower than about 40°F. Summer is the most popular time for camping, but crabbing season and whale watching make compelling reasons to plan a winter trip. Gray whales transit this shoreline on their way to Mexico and back in large numbers between December and April.

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    Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Sonoma Coast State Park

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    98%
    135 ratings · 14 reviews
    Avatar
    Brianna C.recommends
    July 30, 2020
    LOVE THIS CAMPSITE. We recently just visited and absolutely loved how they were sanitizing the camping spots after each group had checked out.. will definitely be back.
    Avatar
    Emily K.recommends
    April 14, 2019
    Nice, spread out campsites. Pretty developed campground, but trees space out the sites well.
    Avatar
    Dana K.recommends
    February 15, 2018
    RV dry camping. Site assigned when you arrive.
    Avatar
    David L.recommends
    December 13, 2017
    awesome if the weather cooperates. Can be very cold but was beautiful while we were there.
    Avatar
    João Victor L.
    August 10, 2017
    nice place!
    Avatar
    Rachel N.recommends
    July 26, 2017
    BRING YOUR OWN WOOD TO BURN SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP BUYING SOME.
    Avatar
    Samantha W.recommends
    July 11, 2017
    A friendly reminder to those not as familiar with beach camping: you and your tent and anything you leave outside will get WET overnight. Pack any paper goods, clothing, etc into your tent or car to keep it dry =)
    Avatar
    Ze P.recommends
    June 16, 2017
    Super windy but awesome
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    Katie M.
    May 30, 2017
    When you make a reservation you do not get to reserve a specific site. This may limit your choices if you can't show up at check-in to find the best site. Expect to check-in at the booth and get your map, then go drive around to pick your site, then return to the booth to let them know which number you want. Pick out a few sites because some might already be reserved. For next time I will write down all the sites that I like and then just ask for that site right when I check-in. There are some small, sunny sites that I wouldn't want. It can be cold and breezy here so bring warm clothes. The bathrooms have flush toilets and showers which makes this the perfect campground. Bring your bikes!
    Avatar
    Mike B.recommends
    May 11, 2017
    Be ready for the fog horn all night. I personally love it, but had friends who didn't like it. Bring earplugs.
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    Andy P.recommends
    May 2, 2017
    Awesome spot but can get really windy and chilly after sunset. A fire helps but even that gets pretty windswept.
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    Karolis K.
    October 9, 2015
    I lucked out with a great site (#19) that had a tent patch tucked away in the redwoods. Pitched a tent, put up a hammock and life's good. Very spacious campground and you can walk to a beautiful and vast beach. Tons of people during the day, but it's so spacious that it didn't feel packed.
    Avatar
    Julian J.
    September 5, 2015
    Bodega Dunes has over 100 sites, but for good reason—it gets busy. Most sites are filled with sand, so just be prepared to get sand everywhere. The bathrooms/showers are really nice, well lit, and well maintained. They also have a 'station' at each bathroom area to wash your plates/dishes. Some sites are less windy than others, so if you're arriving during the quieter weekdays, drive around and pick one you like before heading back to the kiosk. The campground is near the water and can get windy at times, even during the night, so bring some warm clothes. The wind is usually gone in the morning. A great place to do some camping with friends because it's only an hour or two from the bay area. Just reserve a site in advance.
    Avatar
    Bryn K.
    April 27, 2015
    Some of these campsites are super cool and some are average. Plan to get there early in the day so you have your choice. Either way, make time to go to the beach and check out the tide pools during your trip. And, of course, eat some seafood!

    Other campgrounds in Sonoma Coast State Park

    Your guide to camping in Bodega Dunes Campground

    Overview

    Fishing

    Anglers can fish the ocean, bay, and river systems in and around Sonoma Coast State Park—sport fishing species include rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead, and smelt, as well as red abalone, mussels, and cockles. Tackle shops and fishing charters in Bodega Bay can get you geared up and on the water. Just know a valid California fishing license is required.

    Hiking

    Both the Lower and Upper Dunes trails depart from this campground, weaving through the Bodega Dunes and providing access to South Salmon Creek Beach. The Overlook Trail within this complex takes you all the way out to and around Bodega Head.

    Horseback riding

    Is riding a horse shirtless on the beach your thing? Well at Sonoma Coast State Park you can do that! Equestrians and hikers can access the park's five-mile trail system through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat Road. Horses are allowed onto Salmon Creek Beach if they stay on the trail, but are not allowed north of the picnic area. The Kortum Trail begins at Wright's Beach and travels north to Blind Beach. The Pomo Canyon Trail, out of the Shell Beach parking lot, winds over the hill 3 1/2 miles to the Pomo Canyon Campground.

    Surfing

    While the vintage wines of Sonoma are most definitely better quality then the waves, there are a couple decent spots. Sonoma Coast offers up two spots in particular, Salmon Creek and Secrets. For the best info and current conditions look here .

    Wildlife watching

    Bodega Bay is an outstanding destination for coastal wildlife watching. Not only can you see whales, harbor seals, and river otters from the park's shores, but nearly 300 bird species have been spotted here, and the park’s tide pooling sites team with aquatic life. Crabbing season typically runs from November to June, though regulations are strict. Crabbing licenses and information are available at local outdoor stores.

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